450 LETTERS RELATING TO 



sidered of the petition of Mr. Christopher Villiers*, 

 and have heard, as well the registers and ministers 

 of the Prerogative-Court of Canterbury, and their 

 council, as also the council of the lord archbishop of 

 Canterbury. And setting aside such other points, 

 as are desired by the petition, we do think, that 

 your majesty may by law, and without inconve 

 nience, appoint an officer, that shall have the in- 

 grossing of the transcripts of all wills to be sealed 

 with the seal of either of the Prerogative-Courts, 

 which shall be proved &quot; in communi forma ;&quot; and 

 likewise of all inventories, to be exhibited in the 

 same courts, 



We see it necessary, that all wills, which are not 

 judicially controverted, be ingrossed before the pro 

 bate. Yet, as the law now stands, no officer of those 

 courts can lawfully take any fee or reward for in- 

 grossing the said wills and inventories, the statute of 

 the 21st of king Henry the Vlllth restraining them. 

 Wherefore we hold it much more convenient, that it 

 should be done by a lawful officer, to be appointed 

 by your majesty, than in a cause not warrantable by 

 law. Yet our humble opinion and advice is, that 

 good consideration be had in passing this book, as 

 well touching a moderate proportion of fees to be 

 allowed for the pains and travel of the officer, as for 

 the expedition of the suitor, in such sort, that the 



* Youngest brother to the marquis of Buckingham. He was 

 created, April 23, 1623, baron of Daventry and earl of An 

 glesey. He died September 24, 1624. 



